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Sunday, December 7, 2014

Does juice cause cavities?

Dentists warn that sugary drinks cause cavities. But do natural, organic or 100% fruit drinks do the same?

A new study by the American Dental Association finds no significant association between the recommended daily serving of 100% fruit juice and tooth decay in children. Don't let these results confuse you. This rule counts only for one serving of 100% juice, one time each day. The photo below is 6 oz. of juice-- that's one serving. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children ages 6 and under can have one serving each day. Older children can have two servings a day.

I promise that children who are drinking juice (instead of water) throughout the day are at a very high risk for tooth decay. The risk escalates if you provide the juice before bed and don't brush after. Juice should only be provided in a cup, never in a bottle or sippy cup. So remember, a small cup of juice at mealtime is not found to cause tooth decay, but it should not replace water throughout the day.